In this week's Meet the Maker post, we talk to a Maker who has a phenomenal story about taking what life throws at you and turning it around. Sandy is in our Successful Makers' Society and her drawer pulls are GORGEOUS. There are several that I am coveting and trying to decide where I could put them. My office needs a cabinet, so I think they will be going there in the near future.

Why did you start your handmade business?

I’m 60. This wasn’t my plan, but life happens. My husband and I had a design Center for kitchens and cabinetry for 20 years. Then 2008 came and we never quite recovered.

Five years ago, this sweet man that I love so much, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. I need to find a way to take care of us now. It’s my turn to show this man the same love, respect, and devotion he’s always shown me!I

I know I can do this....I have always had a very keen eye for design.

Tell us about your handmade business

I have an Etsy shop where I sell contemporary/modern knobs and pulls. I really like the idea of having one major focus and I love that my knobs are small and relatively light, making packing and postage doable! I am waaaay into my cement knobs. There are 4 styles and I make them all ☺️ They are imperfectly perfect! ❤️

What have been your biggest business challenges?

Definitely learning the technology!

How did you overcome these challenges?

I am learning by trail and error. I feel like I’ve been going 1step forward and 3 steps back from the beginning.

What do you love about having your own handmade business?

I love the creative process I go through to make my cement knobs. I also LOVELOVELOVE organization because I’m a bit of a OCD freak ☺️

What is the best business advice that you ever received

My daughter told me not to get distracted by shiny things. To keep things small, simple, and manageable and to grow slowly without debt.

My greatest fear is…

That this might not work and I’ve wasted a lot of time and resources. I feel a sense of urgency since I am now responsible for taking care of my husband and I.

What advice would you give yourself 10 years ago?

Learn everrrrrrrrrrrything you can about technology. You can do anything with that knowledge!

My favorite business tool is:

Anything I can find at the dollar store that I can use as a tool, I do! Like popsicle sticks, mixing bowls, plastic spoons, plastic cups....but probably my favorite is my drill attachment that I use to mix my cement.

Applying to farmers' markets and craft shows is a time for you to 1000% show off your skills and your products to other handmade enthusiasts. Here is what you need to know to get your goods into every market you apply to.

In the Maker’s world, markets, or vending events, are a great way to grow your base of customers and inject some quick cash into your business without the hassle of shipping! Learn about the types of markets and my tricks on finding the best ones!

2017 has been the year of mindset training for me. I've noticed myself falling down the path that I really don't want to be going in, so my book recommendations are rather personal. I know there are so many things that I want to achieve in the coming days, months, and years, so it was imperative that I put myself back into the correct mindset for my goals.

As we approach the New Year, I thought it would be apt of me to remind myself of my favorite planners for handmade businesses, entrepreneurs, makers, and, well anyone trying to take that side-hustle from a daydream to reality.

This is how handmade businesses need to treat their customers at markets. We need to be realize that we all make mistakes and forget things at home. By having one simple piece of equipment, it is easy to save the sale.

Several members of the Successful Makers’ Society asked me about Etsy Pattern and that turned into a whole new host of blood pressure raising moments. Here are my Top 7 reasons you should run far away from Etsy Pattern.

It seems like it's an epidemic the last few weeks, I log into Facebook and in every.single.group I belong to that is meant to help small business owners and someone is asking why they aren't getting sales.